HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2014.10.08 - 21541Miscellaneous Resolution # 14244
BY: Commissioner Dave Woodward, District #19
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENTS TO
THE ELL1OTT-LARSEN CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS it is the intent of the County of Oakland that no person be denied equal protection of
the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his or her civil or political rights or be
discriminated against or harassed because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national
origin, sex, age, height, weight, condition of pregnancy, marital status, physical or mental
limitation, disability, source of income, family responsibilities, educational association, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression; and
WHEREAS The Michigan Constitution declares in Article 1, Section 1, "All power is inherent in
the people. Government is instituted for their equal benefit, security and protection." and
WHEREAS The Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Act 453 of 1976, was enacted "...to
define civil rights, to prohibit discriminatory practices, policies, and customs in the exercise of
those rights based upon religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial
status, or marital status; to preserve the confidentiality of records regarding arrest, detention, or
other disposition in which a conviction does not result; to prescribe the powers and duties of the
civil rights commission and the department of civil rights; to provide remedies and penalties to
provide for fees; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts."; and
WHEREAS The Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Act 453 of 1976, in fact does not
prohibit ALL discriminatory practices, specifically as it relates to sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression; and
WHEREAS The Michigan Constitution declares in Article 4, Section 33, "Every bill passed by
the legislature shall be presented to the governor before it becomes law." and
WHEREAS business leaders from across Michigan have come together to form the Michigan
Competitive Workforce Coalition to affirm that basic fairness and equality are a cornerstone of
our economy and that including sexual orientation and gender identity in Michigan's Elliott-
Larsen Civil Rights Act strengthens that cornerstone at the very time Michigan is pushing
hardest toward economic recovery; and
WHEREAS the many major employers endorse this change in the law and note it is key to
attracting a talented, diverse workforce; and
WHEREAS key Oakland County employers and business leaders who endorse this action
include the Chrysler Group, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Consumers Energy,
Clark Hill PLC, Henry Ford Health Systems, the Detroit Medical Center, Pfizer, Nuspire
Networks, Pepper Hamilton LLC, Honigman, the WW Group, Inc. and the Detroit Regional
Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS many of these employers play a key role in Oakland County's economic
development strategy for a new knowledge based economy as members of the Automation
Alley and the Medical Main Street programs; and
WHEREAS Oakland County government has shown leadership by prohibiting discrimination for
county employees based upon sexual orientation and it is time to expand those protections to all
citizens.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Commissioners of the County of
Oakland, by copy of this resolution calls for immediate action by the Michigan
Legislature and Governor to introduce, adopt and enact (with immediate effect)
legislation providing for real protection against discrimination of all residents of this
state by amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protection for physical or
Chairperson, I mo e adoptio of the foregoing Resolution.
Commissioner Dave Woodward
Di?trict#19
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association, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Oak
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a copy of this resolution to the Office of the Governor, Senate Maj
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Leaders, and the House Speaker and Minority Leader.
Resolution #14244 October 8, 2014
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General G
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objections.